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Arrests Made in Dating App Robbery Scheme

The Railway Police have apprehended two college students who allegedly used a dating application to impersonate gay men, enticing victims to a remote location in Kandivali West, where they would rob them of their belongings. Reports indicate that this operation had been ongoing for approximately three months.

Authorities report that the number of victims targeted by the duo is estimated to be between eight and ten. The suspects, identified as 19-year-olds Anubhav Ojha and Ravi Jha, are enrolled in a well-known college. Following their arrest, the court has placed them in police custody for further inquiry until May 23.

As per police accounts, a 23-year-old man, who had recently completed his education, sought a same-sex match on a dating app. On May 16, he received a message from Anubhav Ojha, inviting him to meet for a same-sex encounter, which he accepted. They arranged to meet near a warehouse located between Borivali and Kandivali stations, an area typically devoid of people near the railway tracks. The complainant arrived at the designated spot around 9 p.m., where Ravi Jha was also present in the vehicle. Allegedly, both suspects threatened the victim with a knife, stealing an iPhone, a gold ring valued at ₹30,000, a gold earring worth ₹40,000, and ₹2,500 in cash.

Due to the severity of the incident, the Railways summoned its Special Investigation Team (SIT). Following a technical analysis, police arrested Ravi Jha, also known as Nandan Leelakant Jha, and Anubhav Ojha, both from Poinsar, Kandivali West. Officials have confirmed that both individuals are students at a prestigious college.

A police officer quoted by a local media outlet stated, "Both suspects reside in the same locality of Poinsar in Kandivali West. Jha has a previous physical assault case registered against him at Samta Nagar Police Station, while Ojha has no prior offenses. Although only one victim has filed a complaint, the duo is believed to have robbed between eight to ten individuals."